The holiday season is just around the corner, and there's no better way to get into the festive spirit than spending a day browsing local craft fairs and holiday markets. Across Franklin County, community halls, schools, churches, and town centers are getting ready to welcome shoppers with tables full of handmade gifts, festive decorations, homemade treats, and plenty of holiday cheer.
From beautifully crafted ornaments and cozy knitted accessories to homemade fudge, jewelry, pottery, and unique gifts, these seasonal fairs offer something for everyone on the holiday shopping list. They're also a wonderful opportunity to support local artists, small businesses, schools, and community organizations while discovering the creativity that makes this part of Western Massachusetts so special.
Whether you're looking for thoughtful stocking stuffers, a handmade centerpiece for the holiday table, or simply an excuse to enjoy a festive outing, here are some upcoming craft fairs and markets to explore around the region this November and December.
November: Start the Holiday Shopping Season
Snowflake Bazaar – Greenfield
Saturday, November 14, 9 a.m.–2 p.m.
Masonic Center Building, 215 Munson Street, Greenfield
A little holiday shopping and a little community spirit come together at the Snowflake Bazaar. Hosted by Arcana Chapter No. 50, Order of the Eastern Star, this seasonal event brings vendors together for a relaxed morning of browsing and gift hunting. It's a nice opportunity to find something different from the usual store-bought presents while supporting a local organization.
A Country Christmas Fair – Shelburne Falls
Saturday, November 14, 9 a.m.–2 p.m.
Shelburne-Buckland Community Center, 53 Main Street, Shelburne Falls
For anyone who loves traditional country Christmas decorations, this fair is worth a visit. Tables will be filled with handmade ornaments, country crafts, home décor, knitted and sewn gifts, jewelry, gift baskets, collectibles, and plenty of homemade baked goods and candy. Visitors can also enjoy food, a teacup auction, and raffle prizes. It's a lovely chance to find something special for the home or a gift with a personal touch.
Little Drummer Craft Fair – Turners Falls
Saturday, November 21, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
Franklin County Technical School, Industrial Boulevard, Turners Falls
The Little Drummer Craft Fair is a great place to find something handmade while supporting the next generation of local talent. More than 50 artists and crafters are expected to offer their creations, giving shoppers plenty to browse. The event also includes a raffle, lunch, and baked goods prepared by the school's Culinary students. Proceeds support local scholarships, and admission is free. It's an enjoyable way to spend a Saturday while supporting the school and its students.
Holiday Bazaar – Bernardston
Saturday, November 21, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
United Church of Bernardston, 58 Church Street, Bernardston
The holiday season wouldn't be complete without a traditional church bazaar, and Bernardston's community fair offers just that. Visitors can browse local crafts, holiday decorations, handcrafted wooden items, candies, baked goods, and other homemade products.
Mistletoe Mart & Craft Faire – Greenfield
Saturday, November 21, beginning at 9 a.m.
Episcopal Church of Saints James and Andrew, 8 Church Street, Greenfield
With a name like Mistletoe Mart, this event is sure to bring a little extra holiday cheer. The fair features 20 selected artisan crafters, offering shoppers a chance to browse handmade creations and find gifts with a personal touch. A cookie walk is another highlight, perfect for picking up an assortment of homemade holiday treats. There will also be a gift basket raffle and a cafeteria serving lunch. Proceeds benefit the church's community mission and ministry programs.
December: More Holiday Markets to Explore
Shutesbury Holiday Shop – Shutesbury
Friday, December 4, 6–9 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, December 5–6, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
Shutesbury Athletic Club Function Room, 282 Wendell Road, Shutesbury
For those who enjoy discovering handmade work from local artists, the Shutesbury Holiday Shop is a particularly good stop. This juried market features more than 40 local artisans, with an impressive variety of gifts, including pottery, jewelry, candles, ornaments, textiles, wood crafts, soaps, artwork, photography, and sweets. The Friday evening opening also includes a soup and stew dinner benefiting the Friends of the Shutesbury Public Library. With three days to browse, there's plenty of time to find something special and enjoy the festive atmosphere.
Annual Mistletoe Market Holiday Fair – Bernardston
Saturday, December 5, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
Bernardston Elementary School, 37 School Road, Bernardston
Another seasonal market to add to the calendar is the Annual Mistletoe Market Holiday Fair. It's listed on the More to Franklin County events calendar, making it a good one to keep an eye on as the holiday shopping season gets underway.
A Few More Fairs to Keep on Your Radar
There are always additional community events popping up during the holiday season.
As event details can change, it's always a good idea to check the organizers' social media pages before making plans.
Celebrate the Season and Shop Local
One of the best things about holiday craft fairs is that the experience goes beyond shopping. They're an opportunity to meet the people behind the handmade goods, discover local talent, enjoy homemade food, and support the organizations that help make Franklin County such a welcoming place to live.
For more seasonal happenings, performances, and community events, visit the More to Franklin County events calendar. Happy holiday shopping!
Franklin County and the Pioneer Valley in Western Massachusetts are known for their vibrant small towns, local farms, artists, and independent businesses. As a longtime local real estate expert, Wanda Mooney shares insights about the communities, lifestyle, and real estate opportunities that make this region such a special place to live.
For more information about community happenings and real estate news visit Wanda's Blog at www.wandamooney.com/blog, or feel free to contact Wanda for professional real estate assistance.
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